Inspecting for wildlife safety on construction sites is crucial for maintaining a secure work environment. Besides the potential danger from insects like bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants, construction sites may also be at risk from encounters with larger wildlife such as snakes or deer. Regular inspection of the work area before beginning tasks can help identify and mitigate potential hazards. It is essential to implement measures to prevent distractions caused by the presence of animals or insects, as these distractions can lead to accidents.

Additionally, being startled or surprised by wildlife can pose a significant risk. By proactively inspecting and addressing wildlife hazards, construction sites can ensure the safety of workers and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.

There are several things you can do to protect yourself and reduce the risk of a bite or sting:

  1. Keep Work Areas Clean! Many insects and wildlife are attracted to discarded food and trash. Always ensure trash is picked up and keep it covered! This can also include eliminating nests and hives. Insects feel threatened when their homes are disturbed and are more like the sting.
  2. Cover Up! Where light colored clothing as it is the best option to avoid attracting insects. Make sure your clothing covers as much of your body as possible to project yourself from bites and stings. It is also recommended to tuck your pants into your socks or boots.
  3. Avoid Scented Products. Perfumed soaps, deodorants, and shampoos can all attract insects. As a reminder, employees should bathe daily. The sweat produced by the human body may anger bees.
  4. Keep First Aid Up to Date! Should a bite or sting occur on the job site, you’ll want to ensure all first aid training and equipment is available, stocked, and ready if needed. You may also have an EpiPen on hand in case of a sting, and ensure your coworkers know where it is. If you suspect someone is suffering from a serious allergic reaction, immediately call 911, even if an EpiPen has been used.
    Note: An EpiPen is only to be used by the individual it is prescribed to!
  5. Know Your Allergies! Keep yourself informed about potential allergies on the job site. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting have a 25% to 65% chance of anaphylaxis the next time they are stung.

 

Allergy Awareness

Allergies can stem from various sources, but one of the hardest to avoid is insect bites and stings. In the United States, the five inspects that cause the majority of allergic reactions are honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants.  Even if you’ve experienced a normal reaction to insect stings before, it’s possible to have a more severe allergic reaction at any time during your life. According to NIOSH, workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should consider carrying an epinephrine autoinjector.

Symptoms related to insect stings can include any of the following:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling (in the area of sting and sometimes beyond)
  • Flushing
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Anaphylaxis

 

Other Wildlife on Site

In a work area, various types of wildlife can pose additional hazards. From ticks to deer and every kind of insect or animal out there, each can create some type of danger. Keep yourself apprised on your surroundings so you can recognize the dangers these animals can pose on the job site.

It is important to know that with the arrival of warmer weather many species of snakes are emerging from brumation or their dormancy period. Nearly 60,000 people across the United States will suffer a snake bite every year. Snakes are not typically aggressive towards humans, unless you are actively disturbing them. Knowing the types of venomous snakes in your area will help you to make informed decision about first aid care. Always seek medical attention right away if you are unsure of the type of snake that bit you.

Apart from poisonous or disease-carrying insects, wildlife in the workplace can pose other hazards. Distractions caused by the presence of animals or insects can become hazards themselves. Whether it’s a new family of deer wandering into your construction area or a fly buzzing around and repeatedly landing on your face, both serve as distractions!

By staying informed and following safety protocols, we can minimize the risks associated with insect stings and encounters with wildlife in the workplace. Always be prepared, and if you suspect someone is having a serious allergic reaction, act swiftly by seeking medical assistance. Let’s keep our work environments safe for everyone.